Name: ______________________________
Period: _____
Middle Ages Primary Source
Chivalry is the traditional code of
conduct associated with the medieval
institution of knighthood. Its meaning
has been refined to emphasize more
ideals such as knightly virtues, honor,
love, and courtesy.
The Knight's Code of Chivalry was a moral system that stated all
knights should protect others who cannot protect themselves, such as widows,
children, and elders. All knights needed to have the strength and skills to fight
wars in the Middle Ages. Knights not only had to be strong but they were also
extremely disciplined and were expected to use their power to protect the
weak and defenseless. Knights vowed to be loyal and generous. Knights
were required to tell the truth at all times and always respect the honor
of women. Knights not only vowed to protect the weak but also
vowed to guard the honor of all fellow knights. The following
is an actual Knight’s Code of Chivalry from Medieval Europe.
1. Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt
observe all its directions.
2. Thou shalt defend the Church.
3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute
thyself the defender of them.
4. Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born.
5. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
6. Thou shalt make war against non-Christians without
cessation, and without mercy.
7. Thou shalt perform thy feudal duties, if they be not
contrary to the laws of God.
8. Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy
pledged word.
9. Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.
10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of
the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.
Name: ______________________________
Period: _____
Middle Ages Primary Source
1. In the space below, write the ten rules in your own words:
1.
6.
2.
7.
3.
8.
4.
9.
5.
10.
2. In your own words, define “chivalry”.
3. Provide an example of modern-day chivalry.
Circle the correct answer:
4. Knights were expected to love their country. Which part of the Code of Chivalry supports this?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
5. Knights were expected to protect the poor and less fortunate. What parts of the Code of Chivalry
support this?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 6
D. 8
6. Which following part of the Code of Chivalry does NOT provide evidence that knights were to be
Christian warriors?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
D. 7
7. According to law #7 in the Code of Chivalry, what is a knight to do if a lord or vassal asks him to do
something which goes against church teaching?
A. Do not perform your feudal obligation because it is against God’s teachings
B. Honor your feudal duty even if it goes against the laws of God
C. Obey your feudal lord and beg for forgiveness
D. Consult the church for advice on your situation